In this lesson, children learn that God fought for the Israelites and gave them victory over two kings, and that God is always stronger than any enemy. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is stronger than any enemy, and He fights for the people who trust Him.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 3:22
You shall not fear them; for the LORD your God himself fights for you.”
(WEB)
Put both hands on your heart, then lift them up high like a strong tower. As you say the verse, lift your arms slowly each time you say the word “fights,” as if you are holding up a shield for God’s people.
The Story: Deuteronomy 3 for Kids
Moses was leading the people of Israel toward the Promised Land. They had traveled a long way, and now they turned and walked up the road to Bashan. A king named Og came out to fight them, and he brought all his people with him to the battle at Edrei.
Moses was not afraid, because God had already promised to help. God said to Moses, “Don’t fear him. I have handed him over to you, along with all his people and his land.” God told them to do to Og what they had done to King Sihon before. So the Israelites trusted God and fought.
God gave them the victory. The Israelites took all sixty of Og’s cities, and the people of Israel were brave because God was with them. Moses told them that God had fought for them every step of the way. The people did not win by their own strength. God won the battle for them.
After the battle, Moses shared the land with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and with half of the tribe of Manasseh. He said that these tribes would help their brothers first, and then return home once everyone had a place to live. Moses was telling the people to care for each other as they went forward together.
Then Moses asked God if he could go over the Jordan River to see the good land. God answered him kindly but clearly. God said, “Let this be enough. You will not go over the river, but go up to the top of Pisgah and look at the land with your eyes.” Moses did not get to enter the land himself, but God told him to lead the people to a new leader named Joshua. God said Joshua would bring the people across. Moses trusted God’s plan, even when it was hard.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 3:1-2
1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan. Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 2 The LORD said to me, “Don’t fear him; for I have delivered him, with all his people, and his land, into your hand. You shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.”
(WEB)
Point out that the Israelites faced a big enemy king, and that God told Moses not to be afraid. Ask the children what it feels like to be scared of something big, and remind them that God is bigger.
Deuteronomy 3:21-22
21 I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, “Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. So shall the LORD do to all the kingdoms where you go over. 22 You shall not fear them; for the LORD your God himself fights for you.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God reminded Joshua of what He had already done. Explain that remembering God’s past help helps us trust Him for today and tomorrow.
Deuteronomy 3:26-28
26 But the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, and didn’t listen to me. The LORD said to me, “Let this satisfy you. Speak no more to me of this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift up your eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and see with your eyes; for you shall not go over this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.”
(WEB)
Gently explain that Moses did not get to enter the Promised Land, but God still had a plan for His people. Point out that God chose Joshua to lead, showing that God cares about every generation.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like for the Israelites to face a king and his whole army?
- How did God tell Moses and Joshua to feel about the battle, and why do you think God said that?
- What is something big or scary in your life that you could bring to God?
- Why do you think Moses cared about helping the tribes who were not yet in the land?
- How can you show that you trust God the way Moses did when God said no?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Shield of Faith
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child cut a large shield shape from paper and draw a picture of something they are afraid of on one side. On the other side, have them write or draw the words “God fights for me.” Talk about how God protects them like a shield.
Stand Strong Game
Clear a space in your room or classroom. Call out a “giant” such as a big worry, and have the children stand tall with their arms out like a strong tower. Then call out “God fights for us” and have them cheer quietly together. Repeat with several different worries to help children practice trusting God.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards and a pen. Write “God fights for me” on one side of each card and let the child decorate the other side. Encourage them to place the card on their bedside table or in their backpack. Ask them to read it aloud whenever they feel nervous during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to His promises and fights for His people in battles both seen and unseen. Moses’ story also shows that God’s plans are bigger than any one person, and that obedience can mean accepting a different path than we hoped for. Adults can see in Moses’ willingness to step aside a picture of humble, faithful leadership.
Avoid overstating to children that God always gives us the exact outcome we want, or that God will always defeat our enemies in the way we expect. Instead, focus on the truth that God is with us, is stronger than our fears, and cares for us even when the answer is “not yet” or “not this way.”
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are stronger than any enemy. Help us to trust You when we feel scared, and remind us that You are always with us. Thank You for taking care of us and for having a good plan for our lives. Amen.
